The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has suspended 27 students from three public secondary schools in Akure over allegations of serious misconduct.
The students, who attend Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas College and CAC Grammar School, were suspended indefinitely following reports of behaviour considered to be in breach of the state’s Code of Conduct for public secondary schools.
The development was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Akindele Ige, during visits to the affected schools to implement the suspension directive.
During the visits, Ige met with school principals, vice principals and heads of departments to discuss the disciplinary action and the need to strengthen efforts aimed at promoting discipline in public schools.
According to the permanent secretary, the ministry’s decision followed repeated reports of unruly conduct despite several interventions and engagements with school administrators and other stakeholders.
He explained that the ministry had consistently warned students against acts capable of disrupting learning and undermining discipline but noted that some students continued to engage in unacceptable behaviour.
Ige stated that the state government remains committed to maintaining discipline in schools and ensuring that educational institutions remain safe and conducive for learning.
“The ministry maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviours that undermine the integrity of our educational system. Schools are centres for character formation and academic excellence.
“The state government remains committed to ensuring that our schools are safe, disciplined and conducive to learning,” he said.
The permanent secretary expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of indiscipline among students.
According to him, incidents involving bullying, fighting, truancy and the circulation of indecent videos on social media have become increasingly common in some schools.
He stressed the need for stronger supervision by school authorities and urged administrators to intensify monitoring while ensuring that disciplinary measures are consistently enforced.
Ige also appealed to teachers and school management to remain vigilant and promptly address acts of misconduct before they escalate.
Under the suspension order, the affected students have been barred from entering their schools or participating in any academic or extracurricular activities until further notice.
The ministry disclosed that the disciplinary committees of the affected schools, working alongside officials of the ministry, are reviewing each case before taking further decisions.
Parents and guardians were also encouraged to become more actively involved in monitoring the behaviour and activities of their children.
“We encourage parents and guardians to partner with school authorities in guiding and monitoring their children, as the responsibility for nurturing discipline and good character is a shared one between the home and the school,” Ige stated.
He added that the ministry would continue routine inspections and monitoring exercises across schools in Ondo State.
The permanent secretary warned that students found engaging in bullying, fighting or any other serious acts of misconduct would continue to face disciplinary actions in accordance with established regulations.
